High speed train booking for October 14 first trip

Question

Hi Everyone,

Could you please let me know which platform I should use to book tickets with seat selection and how far in advance for traveling HK-Guilin, Guilin-Zhangjiajie, Zhangjiajie-Chengdu, Chengdu-Xian, Xian-Pingyao, Pingyao-Datong, Datong-Beijing.

Thanks so much.

Answer

Booking high-speed train tickets in China is fairly straightforward, but there are some tips to make your planning smoother, especially for a first trip in mid-October when travel can be busy.

Platforms for booking tickets with seat selection:

Official China Railway website (12306.cn) – The official platform allows you to select seats and see all train options. The website is in Chinese, but the mobile app has some English support.
Third-party booking platforms: These are often easier for foreigners and allow credit card payment, English interface, and seat selection.
- Trip.com (formerly Ctrip)
- Klook
- China Highlights
- Qunar

Advance booking:

High-speed train tickets in China can usually be booked up to 30 days in advance. For busy periods, especially around national holidays or October’s Golden Week (starting October 1), try to book as soon as the tickets open.
For October 14 travel, you can book from around September 14, but seats can sell out quickly for popular routes like Guilin-Zhangjiajie or Beijing-Pingyao.

Recommended approach for your itinerary:

Book all major long-distance segments in advance: HK → Guilin, Guilin → Zhangjiajie, Zhangjiajie → Chengdu, Chengdu → Xi’an.
For shorter or less busy legs like Xi’an → Pingyao or Pingyao → Datong, you can try booking a few weeks in advance, but confirm availability early.
For seat selection, specify window or aisle if important; most third-party platforms allow this.

Tips:

Bring your passport when collecting tickets at the station, as it is required.
If booking online via official 12306.cn, you may need a Chinese phone number for registration.
Consider e-tickets where available; you can show your passport at the gate instead of a physical ticket.
For international travelers, using Trip.com or Klook is simpler for language, payment, and seat selection.

By following these steps, you should be able to secure your high-speed train tickets smoothly and enjoy your multi-city China itinerary.